Sterile pyuria

Sterile Pyuria is a medical condition characterized by the presence of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the urine without the presence of bacteria. This condition is often a diagnostic challenge as it can be indicative of various underlying diseases or conditions.

Definition

Sterile Pyuria is defined as the presence of more than 10 white blood cells per high power field in the urine sediment from a patient with negative urine culture. This condition is often discovered during a routine urinalysis.

Causes

There are several potential causes of sterile pyuria. These include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are caused by bacteria that cannot be cultured using standard techniques.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition causing bladder pressure and pain.
• Tuberculosis of the urinary tract.
• Kidney stones.
• Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sterile pyuria is made by performing a urinalysis and urine culture. If the urinalysis shows the presence of white blood cells but the urine culture is negative, a diagnosis of sterile pyuria may be made. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

The treatment of sterile pyuria depends on the underlying cause. If an infection is identified, appropriate antibiotics will be prescribed. If the cause is a medication, the medication may need to be discontinued or changed.

See also

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Urinary tract infections
• Interstitial cystitis
• Kidney stones